Alternating-current motor



(No Model.) I 4 Sheets-Sheet, 2.

' C. J. VAN DEPOELE.

ALTERNATING CURRENT MOTOR.

No. 408,641. Patented Aug. 6, 1889.

@ dmm 4 H L E 0 P E D N A v J G ALTERNATING CURRENT MOTOR.

No. 408,641. Patented Aug. 6, 1889.

gnaw/W601 Charles J- mnflepoele 3513 7M0 elttomam UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE.

CHARLES J. VAN DEPOELE, ()F LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS.

ALTERNATlNG-CURRENT MOTOR.

SPECIFICATION forming partof Letters Patent No. 408,641, dated August 6,1889.

Original application filed March 8, 1889, Serial No. 302,544. Dividedand this application filed July 5, 1889. Serial No. 316,578-

(No model.)

electro-dynamic motors, and comprises a ro-.

tating electromagnetic motor or engine applicable to any form of workand capable of being operated in some of its forms by any species ofcurrent, whether pulsating or intermittent. Since many forms of electricmotors are capable of operation with continuous currents, I willdescribe the invention more particularly with reference to its operationunder the influence of alternating, intermittent, or pulsating currents.It is well known that almost any form of dynamo-electric machine havingits iron parts sufficiently subdivided to respond to rapid reversals ofpolarity is capable of being set in motion by alternating electriccurrents; but such machines are not capable of efficient act-ion untilthe armature speed corresponds with or is in synchronism with that ofthe generator supplying the current. Therefore the torque of such amotor is very feeble at starting, and it has been hitherto foundimpracticable to apply alternating currents to motors where they wererequired to run at low speed or start a load-as, for example, inelectric railway work,where the motors are frequently stopped andstarted with the full load. 7

My improved motor comprises an armature, which may be of any of thewell-known types including a wire-wound iron core; but 1 prefer to use aGrainme ring the terminals of the sections of which may be connected invarious ways, as will appear. The armature rotates under the action of afield of force in the usual manner. In addition to the armature andfield-magnets, I use a third element in the form of a non-rotating coilor coils of insulated wire, the said coils enveloping or parti-allyenveloping the armature and acting inductively thereon to produce in thermature a definite and concentrated polaritythat is, true poles adaptedto cause the rotation of the armature under the influence of thefieldmagnet. It has been proposed to cause the rotation of an armatureby currents induced therein while rotating in its field of force; butwhile this may produce practical results when the armature is rotatingat high speed, its effeet is almost ml at starting, and variousextraneous means have been proposed for creating magnetism in thearmature-core at starting. By my invention, however, these difficultiesare entirely overcome, and the motor is rendered as efficient at lowspeed and at starting as any continuous-current machine, and without anyreference whatever to the rate of the phases of supply-current.

The invention may of course be applied and modified in a great varietyof ways, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, and setforth andreferred to in the following description and the claimsappended thereto.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a view in elevation of a motor embodying myinvention. Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the motor, showing circuitsand regulator. Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view similar to Fig. 2, butshowing adifferent arrangement of circuits. Fig. 4. is a view inelevation, partly in section, showing a somewhat different arrangementof the movingparts. Fig. 5 is an elevation showing aconstruction andarrangement differing in some respects from that seen in Fig. 4. Fig.

6 is a view in elevation, partly in section, of another arrangement ofparts of the motor also embodying the invention. Figs. 7 and 8 arediagrammatic views illustrating different modes of regulating andcontrolling the action of the motor. Fig. 9 is a view in elevation,partly in section, showing a motor of the same general. form, theconnections and manner of energizing the armature being somewhatdifferent. Fig. 10 is also a view in elevation, partly in section, butshowing a somewhat different arrangement of the armature winding.

As indicated in the drawings, with reference to Fig. .l. and othersimilar figures not specifically mentioned, A A representoppositely-located field-magnets, the polar extensions (tft' (FY0301:which are magnetized by coils 1.; l5 wound upon laminated iron coresextendingbetween and connecting the polar extensions. (l is an iron ringconstitntil'ig the core of the armature D, which is wound with acoi'ltinuons conductor 0. As shown, the coils of the armature D areconnected by conductors d (7, extending across at right angles with eachother and electrically uniting diametrically-opposite portions of thearmature-comluotor to form two closed circuits therein. In largearmatures it will [frequently be desirable to use more cross-eonnectionsthan the two here shown, but they will serve to illustrate theprinciple. The armature is partly inclosed within a non-rotatingexterior induction-coil E, which is placed about its transverse axis,the normal. position ot' the coil E beingat right angles to the axis ofthe fieldmagnets. For convenience, as here shown the induction-coil E issustained. within recesses formed at the. neutral points of thefield-magnet; butit may also be entirely within the field-magnet andmovablysustained in the desired position. As shown, the coils of theiiehtmagnets A A and of the coil E are connected in series, the currententering coil. I 5 by conductor .1 passing thence by conductor 2 to coil1;, thence by conductor 3 to solenoid E, and from thence to line byconductor 4-. Current flowing through said coils will magnetize thepolar extensions as indicated by the signs thereon, while the coil IEwill, when an alternatii'ig or pulsating current is employed, actinductively upon the armature, causing secondz'try currents to lowtherein, which secondary currents,having a defined path, by reason ofthe cross connectioiis (V, will concentrate their magnetizing effect andform true poles along the lines represented by said cross-coliductors,and, whether the armature be held stationary or be in mot ion, the polesso established in the armature will. be strongly attracted by theiropposite poles on the lielil-magnets and repelled by like outs Thus itwill be seen that the action ol. my motor, while depending upon themagnetization of the armature from currents induced therein, is notdependent upon the rapid. rotation of said armature for itsellicicncy,since the same inductional ellfeets will take place when thearmature is forcibly prevented from rotating.

In Fig. 2 an arrangement similar to the foregoing representeddiagrannnatically; but I have shown a regulator, in the form of reactivecoil F, included in a derivation from the series circuit.

In Fig. 23 I have shown a view similar to Fig. 2, except that thecircuit 7 S of the coil E and of the liehl-mz'ignets A A, by conductors5 (3, are entirely se mratc and each one brovided with. a reactive coilF F for con.- trolling the [low of current in. their rmpective circuits.The reactive coils can be solenoids provided with movable iron cores j,which, when entirely inserted in. the coils, create a reactiontherein,whieh, by creating a counter eleetro-motive force in said coils,opposes the [low of the main current theretltrough. As the cores 1" arewithdrawn, the reactions are diminished and a convenient means [orcontrolling the llow oi. current is thus allfordml. When two suchcircuits are placed in parallel, either one or the other can be made topredomim'uxe to produce the desired cll'ects.

In Fig. t is seen an annular exterior |icldmagnet G, having twomtergizing-eoils g g, which are separatml at their extremities to exposethe positive and. negative poles in the iron core. Thearmature[Visuumnted within the .tield-magmiet, and the induction coil E islocated between the exterior of. the armature and the interior of the.lield-maguct. In this case, also, the arlm'iture is shown as anordinary iramme ring; but each section is provided with a terminal c,connected to a corresponding section olf a commuiatm' ll. A pair ofoppositely-mounted and adjuslable commutatonbrushes are held in anydesired position with respect to the commutator, and. when electricallyconnected serve to close the commntatm-eircuit upon itsell, therebycausing currents flowing in the :Ll'lllttlllll'O to traverse a delinedpath. and to establish true poles therein upon "the line occupied by thecommutatorl.)rushes. It may be desiral do, for more thorough rcgulatii'maml control,to counect an adjustable resistance between thecommutattw-brushes. As shmvn, i he posit ive commutatordwush 72 isconnected by conductor 72 with the S\\ll(.'.ll -l(.\'(.l' I1 of an adjustable resistance 1', the other extremity of the resistance it beingconimeicd by con' ductor {T to commutator-ln-ush i". The indms tion-coilE acts imlnetively upon the coils of the armature I), genm-atingcurrents therein, which, flowing around said armature and along the lineestablishtal by the commulatorbrushes and cireuit-co'nneelions, willestablish a polarity in the said arimdure, which, being at an angle fromthe poles ot' the ti1 -ld magnet, will be attracted thereby and. thearmature thus set in motion. lZy changing the position of thecommutator-brushes the polar axis of the armature can be moved asdesired to secure the best working ell'cet under varying circumstances,the normal. posi tion being, however, at right angles to the polar axisof the field-magnet, as imlieated.

I have relerred to the coils acting upon the armature as anindrmtiorrcoil. It will be understood, however, that: the said coilmaybe formed in. two or more parts, according to the mechanicalexigencies of the case. \Vhercver movable commutailor-brushes are usedit will also be desirable that the position of the iu duction-coil bemovablethat is to say, that although it must not rotate as does thearmature, the best effect will be secured by keeping its axial linealways at right angles with the desired polar axis of the armature. Theform shown in Fig. 4 may be readily subdivided to produce a four or morepole machine.

As seen in Fig. 5, the field-magnet G is provided with fouroppositely-located polar extensions between which the magnetizing-coilsZ) W b b are wound. The armature D is similar to that seen in thepreceding figure, as also is its induction-coil E. Since, however, thefield-magnet is provided with four poles, a double set of poles mustalso be formed in the armature,which is accomplished by providing thecommutator II thereof with two sets of commutator-brushes J J and J JThe said brushes are attached at right angles and are movably mountedupon a stationary part of the machine and provided with anoperating-lever J by which they may be adj usted about the commutator asdesired. The induction-coil E is also sustained by a stationary portionof the machine and connected or attached to the commutatorbrush carrier,so that both move together, thus insuring symmetrical relationshipbetween the magnetic axis of the induction-coil and the polar lines itis desired to establish in the armature. Opposite commutator-brushes areconnected by conductors j j, thus forming two closed circuits in thearmature, and consequently two polar axes therein, which, as indicated,are at right angles to each other. It will be understood that theinduction-coil as an entirety can be connected so as to produce fourpoles in the armature; but the better Way is to arrange the connectionsto form two inducin circuits to maintain the four armaturepoles. 'VViththis form the most economical act-ion will take place when the axis ofthe induction coil or coils and of one pair of commutator-brushes isupon the line as 03. Al though desirable for purposes of regulation, itis not necessary that any exterior resistance be placed in the shortcircuit connecting the commutator-brushes.

In Fig. 4. the coils of the field-magnet and of the induction-coils arein separate circuits. 9 and 10 represent one set and 11 12 the other setof terminals of the field-magnet coils g g, which, being united withtheir lin econductors, place the coils g g in multiple arc. Theinduction-coil E receives current through conductors 13 1%, either froma separate circuit or from a source local to the motor. In Fig. 5 thecoils of the field-magnets and of the induct-ion coil or coils E are allconnected in multiple arc, the current entering at 15 divides throughconductors 16 17, passing to the field-magnet coils and to the solenoid,traversing same, and passing (int by conductors 18 19, and thence toline-conductor 20.

Various different methods of regulating the flow of supply-current inthe field-magnet circuit and induetion-coil may be adopted.

In Fig. 7 the apparatus is indicated diagrammatically, and an artificialresistance I is shown in a derivation from the field-magnet circuit. Itwill be clear, however, that the adjustable resistance might beconnected in a derivation from the induction-coil, or a separateresistance be used in connection with both the field-magnet circuit andthe induction coil or coils.

In Fig. 8 I show a reactive coil F in derivation from the field-magnetcircuit. The field-magnet coils and those of the inductioncoil areconnected in series. Instead of connecting all the coils of the armatureinto one or more circuits closed upon themselves, I may employ thearrangement shown in Fig. 6, in which the field-magn et circuit andinductioncoils are similar to that seen in Fig. 1. The coils of thearmature D are, however, somewhat differently connected. Alternatesections L are connected by conductors 1 1 to separate sections of acommutator H in the same manner as the sections of a Gramme ring.Commutator-brushes J J 5 bear upon opposite sides of the commutator andare provided with conductors 21 22, connected in derivation from themain supply-circuit of the machine. A reactive coil F is connected inseries with the supply-circuit, the course of which is as follows: Thecurrent enters by conductor 23, passing through reactive coil F, andthence by conductor 24 to the field- 'magnet coil B. From said coilcurrent passes by conductor 25 to the other field-magnet coil B, thenceby conductor 26 to point 27, from where the main current passes byconductor 28 to the coil E, leaving the said coil by conductor 29, whichis connected to the other side of the circuit at 30. The conductor 22,(representing one of the c0mmutator-brushes,) is connected to theconductor 26 at the point 27, and the return-conductor 21 from the othercommutator-brush is connected to the other side of the circuit at point30. The field-magnetcoils and those of the induction-coil are thereforeconnected in series, with the armaturecircuit in derivation therefrom.Coils M are placed between each of the coils L on the armature and eachcoil M is closed upon itself. The induction-coil E will act inductivelyupon the coils M, and thereby add to the magnetizing effect of the coilsL, which are connected in the main circuit. It Will be obvious that bydisconnecting the conductors 21 and 22 from the main circuit and unitingthem the same effects would be produced as described with reference toFig. 4, with the addition of the magnetizing effect upon the core of thearmature B produced by the additional coils M.

Fig. 9 represents a modification of the speciiic forms, already referredto, in the matter of connecting the arn'iature-coils. Instead ofbringing all or part of the terminals of the successive coils to acommutator, as in a Gramme or Pacinotti armature, thus con- IIS nectingall the sections in one continuous circuit, I wind the core N with anumber of separate coils n, or even a single copper ring, according tothe size of the armature, each coil being closed upon itself and wellinsulated from .its neighbors. .Bythis disposition the action of theinducing-coil .lC upon the coils a will produce currents flowing on theright side of the armaturesay from bottom to top in. the said coils andon the left side from top to bottom. This is due to the fact that thecoils on the right side, say, present all their inner closed terminalsupward and their outer terminals downward, the reverse being the casewith the coils upon the other side of the armature, so that undertheseconditions the current induced by the solenoid will produce anorth. pole on the top of the armature and a south pole on the bottom,and these conditions will obtain whether the armature be at rest orrotating at any speed. The field-magnets of my motor may be constructedof forms and arranged differently from those heretofore described. As,for example,in said Fig. 9 the polar extensions 0 O are semici rcular inform an d envelop i he induction-coil E and most of the armature beingseparated at their extremities. From the extremities of the polc-piccesO O extend cores (V and l and O I, each of which is provided with amagnetizing-coil p, acting to produce north poles at each extremity ofthe pole-piece O and south. poles at the extremity of the pole-piece 0.\Vith this arrangement the positive pole at the top of the armature willbe repelled by the adjacent north pole in the field-magnet and attractedtoward the adjacent south pole of the fieldmagnct, while the south poleat the bottom of the armature will be repelled by the adjacent southpole, thus establishing and maintaining rotation in the armature so longas the same is magnetized by the inductional effects upon its coils ofthe induction-coil E The field-magnet coils and the induction'coil. seenin Figs. S) and 1.0 maybe conectcd in any of the different wayshereinbel'ore referred to. As seen,howevcr, they are provided withseparate circuits represented by terminals 31 32 and 33 iii.

As indicated in Fig. i), the coils of the armature are almost entirelyenveloped by the inducing-coils E There will still be, how ever, somecurrent developed in the coils passing between the poles of thefield-magnets by the action of the fieldanagnets there on, and thesecurrents, being in an opposite direction from the currents induced bythe 'in duction-coil, will tend to diminish the desired magnetizingeffect. This will not amount to very much where the inducthm-coil oi theproportions indicated in said figure; but whatever their quantity theproduction of said opposing currents may, when desired,be entirelyprevented by cutting out the coils passing between the field-magnetpoles, allowing them to pass those points in an entirely inactivecondition. Thismaybeaccomplished in many dillercnt wayslor example, asindicated in Fig. 10, where the coils m are each provided with a treeterminal (2, n'o\idul with a contact device or brush 1 the otherextremities oi. all the coils being connccleifl to and united by aconductor R. Fixed segments R R' arearrangcd to cngz'ige and there byconnect in multiple are the terminals q of the coils on each side of thearmature which are under the in fluence of the iiuluctionmoil E but notto engage the terminals ot' the coils passing under the influence ot thepoles of the field-magnet, they being open-eircuited and entirelyinactive. The segments ll hFare electrically connected byconductiiig-sljrips 'r v", and currei'lts induced in the coils under the.inl'luence oi? the imluction-coil on one side of the armature flow inmultiple are to the segment R for example, thence by conductors r r tothe segment lt', thence by the terminals q of the corresponding coilsupon that side of the armature,and outot said coils into the conductorR, and. by said conductor to the inner terminals of the coils upon the o')posite side of the armature, substantially as indi cated by thearrows. Any kind of commutation will answer, the form shown being by wayof illustration.

As indicated in Figs. E) and lo, the armature-shatt S is provided withahub 5', from which extend non-metallic spokes or arms T, which, beingmechanically attached to the core N between the coils in or or, forms astrong and symmetrical support therefor.

This case being a division of a prior application, it will of course beunderstood that many matters are herein shown and described, but notclaimed, and that whzitever not herein claimed continues to form part ofthe parent case.

Haring described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure byLetters Patent, is

1. An eleetro-dynamie motor comprising a wireavound armature, means forconnecting the armature-conductor into one or more closed. circuits, anadjustable resistance in the circuit or circuits across the armature, astationary cell. for inducing currents in the armature, and a suitablefield-magnet for re acting upon the resultant armatnre-poles,substantially as described.

In an electro-dynamic motor, a wirewound armature, a eonnnutator towhich sections thereof are connected, adjustable commutator-brushestherefor, a stationary field magnet, a non-rotating coil inclosing thearmature and adjustable relatively with respect to the poles of thefield-magnet and acting inductively upon the armature to producelllflg'llOhlZlllgfllll'lUlltS therein upon. the line ol. the axis of thesaid coil, and connections for maintaining a fixed relation betwmm theinducing system and the commntator-brushes, substantially as desm'ibed.

3. In an electric motor, an arn'iature-eorc IIO with a plurality ofcircuits all independent In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in ofeach other and closed upon themselves, a presence of two Witnesses.

stationary induction system therefor, a field- 7 magnet for thearmature, a single source of CHARLES VAN DEPOELE' current, and means foradj usting' the phases \Vitnesses:

of the divided circuit with relation to each JOHN T. GIBBONEY,

other, substantially as described. FRANKLAND JANNUS.

